DUI | Third Offense

3rd DUI Washington State

Author: Linda M. Callahan | Washington DUI Practice Manual

If someone you know has been arrested on their 3rd DUI offense in Washington State, they will very likely need to post bail to be released from jail. Cash or a bail bond will have to be posted with the court to secure their release after a third DUI. The judge at the first hearing may require that the person wear an ankle GPS bracelet or carry a portable breath alcohol monitoring device during the time their case is pending. Hefty consequences are imposed upon a third DUI conviction in Washington State, even if the priors were a long time ago or in another state. The judge must sentence the person to certain mandatory minimums if this is the third offense in 7 years, however, the judge can always impose up to the maximum penalty allowed by the law, even if the prior offenses occurred outside of that time period.

For a 3rd DUI conviction within 7 years, with a breath alcohol result less than .15, or a marijuana level of 5 ng or higher, or if the person was driving under the influence of any drug, the penalties include:

Jail – Up to 364 days, but at least the minimum of 90 days in jail.

EHM – 120 days on electronic home monitoring at the person’s own expense, which may be converted to 8 days in jail.

Fine – The mandatory minimum fine is $2,045.50, including some assessments but not probation fees. The maximum fine is $5,000.

License revocation – Upon conviction, DOL will revoke the driver’s license for 3 years. To reinstate it after that period, the person must acquire SR22 insurance and pay a $150 fee.

Ignition interlock – The person may only drive vehicles equipped with an ignition interlock device. This restriction will be imposed for 1 year if the person was previously not restricted pursuant to a conviction. If previously restricted for 1 year, the second time will be for 5 years, the third or subsequent time will be for ten years. An additional 30 days applies if there was a passenger in the vehicle under the age of 16 at the time the person was driving under the influence.

Probation – The judge may impose up to 5 years of probation.

Other – The judge will require that the person obtain a chemical dependency evaluation and submit to the course of treatment recommended, as well as attend a court-approved DUI victim impact panel.

For a result of .15 or more, or if the officer claims the test was refused, the penalties include:

Jail – The minimum sentence is 120 days, the maximum is 364.

EHM – Upon release from jail, the person has to do 150 days on electronic home monitoring at their own expense. In the alternative, the person can ask the judge to convert the EHM to 10 days in jail.

Fine – The fine, including most assessments, begins at $2,895.50 and is capped at $5,000, not including probation fees.

License revocation – The revocation is for 4 years. To become licensed again the person must submit to driver testing, obtain SR22 insurance, and pay a $150 reissue fee to DOL.

Ignition interlock – Whether the person intends to drive or not, a 1 year, 5 year, or 10 year ignition interlock restriction will be imposed, depending on whether the person has previously been restricted to drive only with an interlock device. Another 30 days must be imposed if a passenger under 16 was in the vehicle at the time of the DUI.

Probation – Probation length is a maximum of 5 years.

Other – A chemical dependency assessment is required, and the treatment recommendations will be enforced by the court. Typically, attendance at a court-approved DUI victim impact panel is also required by the court.

As one can see, a third DUI conviction within 7 years brings very harsh consequences, but even if the prior offenses are outside of 7 years, the consequences may be similar, or worse, such persons often are required to serve the maximum sentence of 364 days in jail.

Aside from the legal statutory consequences, employment is often lost due to the person’s extensive confinement. A commercial driver will lose their CDL for a lifetime upon a second DUI conviction. A DUI conviction remains on the person’s criminal record for life and must never be vacated. They are inadmissible to Canada and will not be let in unless “rehabilitated” if eligible under Canadian law. Chances are pretty high that the person will be required to undergo chemical dependency treatment by court order. Such treatment programs are costly, adding to the already mounting costs of fines, ignition interlock, probation fees, and insurance.

Need DUI Defense? Turn to Our Washington DUI Lawyers Today.

If you or someone you love is facing a third DUI in Washington, you need a lawyer who will really fight hard because no prosecutor will ever go easy on a repeat offender. A DUI is a highly technical case that requires extensive legal skill, knowledge, and experience to win. Attorney Linda M. Callahan and her team know how to defend even the most difficult of cases with passion, integrity, and intensity. Contact our office to speak with a DUI attorney in Tacoma, Seattle, or Shelton, WA.

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To speak to a team member from our firm and tell your story in confidence, call us at (206) 472-1138 or fill out the form below.

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Summary

Reviewer

Yuri

Review Date

2017-01-25

Reviewed Item

Criminal Defense

Author Rating

5

DUI Dismissed

I can't thank Linda and her staff enough for getting me through this scary situation unscathed - all I had to do was comply and behave myself. Her knowledge of the system and her legal relationships made it possible to get me out of my DUI completely unscathed after just a 2 year probation period. NO license suspension, NO SR-22 insurance, and NO blow and go. I know that my case may have been a rarity in Washington State, but she was able to make it happen. Thank you Callahan Law!

NG

Brilliant!

Ryan and his team are amazing. I was out of state facing an issue that was haunting me for over a decade. I hired Ryan to sort out my mess and I can’t thank him enough for all his hard work. Because of Ryan’s efforts I have peace of mind and I can move on with my life. To say he far exceeded expectations is an understatement. I recommend Ryan English without reservation.

Ken

Best DUI attorney!

Stephen Grant was professional, straight forward, and compassionate during the worst time in my life facing a DUI. He spoke with me on the phone himself, first time I called, letting me know what I may be facing. Thru each step in this long awful process he advised with very detailed instructions and was always thinking ahead of the game. Stephen truly works hard to get you the best outcome possible for your situation and knows very well the legal process. I was always proud to have him represent me in the courtroom. You can't go wrong choosing Stephen and the rest of his team at Callahan law keep you on top of everything while battling a DUI.

AR

Absolutely Terrific!

Being in the military I was very worried that my case would have huge impacts both in civil court and my military career not only did Megan get be all the way down to Negligent driving in the 2nd degree. She went above and beyond by writing a letter to my commander in the army that explained my situation and that a Negligent driving in the 2nd degree is a non alcoholic offense. Which let to me staying in the army! Would absolutely contact her again if I was ever seeking an attorney.